Presentation assignment

Anna Jensen

HUM Narrative Form: The Gothic

Assignment: Presentation

You have two options for your presentation--either work in a group or alone. The requirements for each type of presentation are different. Please see below:

I. Gothic Group Presentation

Each of the texts and cultural objects in this course is rich with historical, social, political and cultural references as well as being references themselves for later literature and film. For this assignment, students will work together in-groups of three or four (four maximum) to present information on a chosen text: the group will present its structure, its creation, its author, its characters, its later references in art – any information that the group finds interesting.

A group will introduce each new text or cultural object the first time it is lectured on in class. It is critical for the group to read, discuss and generally find out as much as possible before the presentation. The groups may choose any text/object in the course, but only one group may present on one topic.

The Presentation (15 min.): During this 15 minute presentation, each member of the group must participate in the actual presentation. The material should be presented cohesively; in other words, the presentation should clearly show that the group members have shared research, reviewed one another’s work and integrated each other’s presentations as seamlessly as possible. Your group may create photographs, maps, film clips, songs, historical games, PowerPoint demonstrations and even websites to demonstrate and enhance their presentations and their grades. If you need any audio/visual equipment, please ask me at least a week in advance. For the presentation’s contents, first and foremost, each group needs to discuss how the text fits into the Gothic tradition by using excerpts from the text. Research on the production and reception history needs to be included also. For instance: How was it written? In what form was it originally published? Can you show us an example? What did critics say about it? Who read it? (These questions are provided to help you with your research; not all need to be answered.) You may also provide historical information: What political, social or cultural events are referred to or inspired the text? Did the text influence any parodies? Did it inspire any artwork or films? Is the author’s background important to know? Don’t just recite summaries or information from the text's introductory pages; tell us what you found out about this story. Excite us with your presentation. This presentation requires each group member to perform research either in the library or by using the electronic sources available through the CECybrary.

Reflective Writing (300-500 words): Each group member is individually responsible for turning in a 300-500 word reflection about your role in the presentation. Since this is such a brief piece of writing, you’ll have to be a good editor. You may use “I” but don’t let it overwhelm your writing. This reflective writing is due on the day the group is scheduled to present. Consider this a formal piece of writing and conform to MLA style. See below for reminders about MLA style & about formatting your reflective writing.

You must turn in the reflective writing to www.turnitin.com:. Use a Works Cited page in MLA format as well as MLA style for in text citations (parenthetical citation). Please staple the pages together (do not fold or paperclip your pages).

Grading

Each Group Presentation will be based on its effectiveness (preparation, comprehension, depth), clarity and group participation. Failure to follow the above formatting requirements for the reflective writing will result in a lower grade.

II. Individual Presentation & Essay

Though the Gothic form began in the late 18th century, the genre continues well into the 20th and 21st-centuries. For the Individual Presentation, each student will present on gothic or horror media (10 minutes) that has been published/created in the last ten years. This means that the presentation is not limited to the written word, but is instead open to all forms of information and communication, including video games, films, graphic novels, etc. A 1000-word essay will accompany the presentation. This should also be in MLA style format and citation, Turn it in to www.turnitin.com